PORT JERVIS – Officials and volunteers across the nation took part in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annual Point in Time Count this past week, surveying as many homeless as they were able to connect with over a 24-hour period on January 29. During the survey, they were offered information and help.
In Port Jervis, a majority of the individuals were counted while spending the night at Port Jervis’ Warming Station at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church. Others were counted during morning and afternoon outreach in places where local homeless seek warmth. These included the Port Jervis Free Library, Salvation Army’s soup kitchen, Burger King, and other public locations.
Some individuals, even on brutally cold days like this January’s, choose to stay in outdoor private tents. During this year’s near-zero daytime outreach hours, no individuals were in those known outdoor camp locations.
Jack Austin, Port Jervis’ PIT coordinator, was finalizing numbers on Sunday afternoon. While not yet certified, he estimated that roughly 25 unhoused individuals were spoken with throughout the city on January 29. This is a little over 15 percent less than 2025’s initial count of 30, but more than 2024’s 21.
These numbers vary from year to year, and those involved in Port Jervis’ count say they do not indicate the same individuals remain homeless.
“About 15 of those counted in January of last year were no longer homeless by March 30,” Austin said. “Four found apartments on their own, and we were able to provide half of the security deposit and other help needed for some of the others. They were then able to find affordable housing either in Port Jervis or nearby.”
Austin recalled a particular couple that had been living in a travel RV and were included in last year’s count. Prior to the count, he said he was unaware of this couple, and they were unaware of available help.
“We came across this couple and learned that the husband was suffering from cardiac issues. We assured him that we would take care of his wife and cats, and he agreed to get medical help. He later told us that the doctor told him if he had gone another day or so, he may not have been with us much longer,” Austin said. “I’m glad for this outreach because we always encounter someone we were not aware of.”
Port Jervis Police escorted those conducting this year’s count, as they do each year. Chief William Worden said all of Port’s officers are well aware of where the local homeless congregate locally, and are part of the partnerships and advocacy aimed at reducing homelessness.
“We have an excellent relationship with the public, including those who are most vulnerable. We work closely with HONOR and with Jack, Brian, and Nicole at the warming station, and we refer individuals to places where they can find novel, long-term solutions,” Worden said.
Worden noted, and Austin agreed, that most of those who are homeless have local ties and – like themselves – would not want to leave their community. Some have jobs, but cannot afford the security and rent of an apartment. Others need transportation. Some are missing a license or Social Security card needed to apply for a job.
“Homelessness is not a crime. It’s a predicament, and complicated. You just have to look and, eventually – if you keep trying, find a solution,” Worden said. “We have great community partnerships and caring people that are working together to do this.”
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